Transport and/or storage container for rechargeable wireless earphones

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a transport and/or storage container with integrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones comprising a container housing, at least one receiving unit for at least partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone, and an electrical container charging contact for connecting the transport and/or storage container to an electrical energy source, wherein the receiving unit has an electrical coupling contact cooperating with an electrical earphone charging contact of a rechargeable wireless earphone when it is placed in the receiving unit for recharging and wherein the electrical container charging contact and the electrical coupling contact are in the form of mutually complementary electrical contacts.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of non-provisional applicationSer. No. 14/666,071, filed Mar. 23, 2015, and titled “Transport and/orStorage Container Rechargeable Wireless Earphones”, which is aContinuation of non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/459,466, filedJun. 30, 2009, and titled “Transport and/or Storage ContainerRechargeable Wireless Earphones,” which claims priority German PatentApplication No. 10 2009 030 070.8, filed Jun. 22, 2009, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention concerns a transport and/or storage container withintegrated charging function for rechargeable wireless earphones.Furthermore the present invention concerns a rechargeable wirelessearphone and a rechargeable transmitter for transmitting audio signalsto a rechargeable wireless earphone. Finally the present inventionconcerns a charging cable for recharging the aforementioned devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

When using rechargeable wireless earphones it is desirable to provide atransport and/or storage capability with integrated charging functionfor the rechargeable wireless earphones.

Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a transportand/or storage container with integrated charging function forrechargeable wireless earphones.

That object is attained by the features of claim 1.

There is provided a transport and/or storage container with integratedcharging function for rechargeable wireless earphones. The transportand/or storage container has a container housing, at least one receivingunit for at least partially receiving a rechargeable wireless earphone,and an electrical container charging contact for connecting thetransport and/or storage container to an electrical energy source. Thereceiving unit has an electrical coupling contact cooperating with anelectrical earphone charging contact of a rechargeable wireless earphonewhen it is placed in the receiving unit for recharging. The electricalcontainer charging contact and the electrical coupling contact are inthe form of mutually complementary electrical contacts.

The term “complementary electrical contacts” denotes electrical contactswhich are intended to form together an electrical connection, forexample a plug connection. In this example one of the electricalcontacts would be the female part (plug socket) of the plug connectionand the other electrical contact would be the male part (plug) of theplug connection.

The invention concerns the concept of providing a transport and/orstorage container for rechargeable wireless earphones, which at the sametime provides an integrated function for recharging the rechargeablewireless earphones. Because the electrical container charging contact,by way of which the transport and/or storage container can be connectedto an electrical energy source, and the coupling contact which isprovided in the receiving unit and cooperates with the electricalearphone charging contact of a rechargeable wireless earphone when it isplaced in the receiving unit for charging are in the form of mutuallycomplementary electrical contacts, the rechargeable wireless earphonescan be recharged both in the transport and/or storage container and alsoseparately, that is to say without being placed in the transport and/orstorage container, in a highly flexible and simple fashion in the sameway, for example by way of the same charging cable.

There is further provided a rechargeable wireless earphone. Therechargeable wireless earphone has an earphone housing, a transducerhousing for receiving an electroacoustic transducer, an earphone batteryfor the storage of electrical energy, and an electrical earphonecharging contact for connecting the rechargeable wireless earphone to anelectrical energy source.

Finally there is provided a rechargeable transmitter for wirelesslytransmitting audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone. Therechargeable wireless transmitter has a transmitter housing, atransmitter battery for the storage of electrical energy, and anelectrical transmitter charging contact for connecting the rechargeablewireless transmitter to an electrical energy source.

Further configurations are subject-matter of the appendant claims.

Advantages and embodiments by way of example of the invention aredescribed in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a block circuitdiagram of a transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with a firstembodiment,

FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a first perspectiveview of the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment,

FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a second perspectiveview of the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment,

FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a protective pouchfor the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment,

FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a rechargeablewireless earphone in accordance with a second embodiment,

FIGS. 6A and 6B show diagrammatically and by way of example insertion ofthe rechargeable wireless earphone according to the second embodiment inthe ear of a wearer,

FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically and by way of example the replacement ofadapter parts of the rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance withthe second embodiment,

FIGS. 8A-8D show diagrammatically and by way of example the replacementof the rechargeable earphone battery of the rechargeable wirelessearphone in accordance with the second embodiment,

FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a first perspectiveview of a rechargeable transmitter for the wireless transmission ofaudio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with athird embodiment,

FIG. 10 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a secondperspective view of a rechargeable transmitter for the wirelesstransmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone inaccordance with the third embodiment,

FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a possible way offixing the rechargeable transmitter for the wireless transmission ofaudio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with thethird embodiment to a mobile audio and/or video device,

FIGS. 12A-12C show diagrammatically and by way of example pairing of therechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with the second embodimentwith the rechargeable transmitter for the wireless transmission of audiosignals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with the thirdembodiment,

FIGS. 13A-13F show diagrammatically and by way of example pairing of asecond pair of rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thesecond embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter for the wirelesstransmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone inaccordance with the third embodiment,

FIG. 14 shows diagrammatically and by way of example recharging of thetransport and/or storage container with integrated charging function forrechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with the first embodiment,a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with the secondembodiment and the rechargeable transmitter for the wirelesstransmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone inaccordance with the third embodiment, and

FIG. 15 shows diagrammatically an earphone according to the inventionwith an eye mounted thereto and a band drawn through the eye.

The same references in FIGS. 1 through 15 denote the same components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a block circuitdiagram of a transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with a firstembodiment. The transport and/or storage container has a dc voltageinput DCE, a battery charging unit BC, a rechargeable charging batteryLB, a switch S, a dc voltage-dc voltage converter DCC, a currentdetection unit CD, a controller C, a voltage detection unit VD, acharging pushbutton switch LT and a charging display LA. The batterycharging unit BC is coupled to the dc voltage input DCE. The dc voltageinput DCE is also coupled to the current detection unit CD by way of aselection switch. The battery charging unit BC is coupled to therechargeable charging battery LB and the charging display LA. Therechargeable charging battery LB is further connected to the dcvoltage-dc voltage converter DCC by way of a switch S. The rechargeablecharging battery LB is also coupled to a voltage detection unit VD. Thevoltage detection unit VD is coupled to the controller C. The currentdetection unit CD is coupled to the controller C and to chargingcontacts LW and RW for a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones. Thecontroller C is further coupled to the charging pushbutton switch LT andthe charging display LA.

Recharging of the rechargeable wireless earphones can be initiated byactuation of the charging pushbutton switch LT when the earphones areplaced in the transport and/or storage container. The rechargeablecharging battery LB is charged up by means of the battery charging unitBC. The voltage detection unit VD detects the voltage of therechargeable charging battery LB and detects in particular if thebattery voltage is too low.

When the transport and/or storage container is connected to a dc voltageinput DCE, both the rechargeable charging battery LB (by way of thebattery charging unit (BC)) and also a pair of rechargeable wirelessearphones can be charged up when they are placed in the transport and/orstorage container. If the transport and/or storage container is notcoupled to the dc voltage input DCE, then recharging of the rechargeablewireless earphones which have been placed in the transport and/orstorage container can be effected by means of the rechargeable chargingbattery LB and the dc voltage-dc voltage converter DCC.

The useable capacity of the rechargeable charging battery LB should beselected such that a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones can berecharged a number of times, in particular three times, without therechargeable charging battery LB itself having to be recharged.

Recharging of the rechargeable wireless earphones placed in thetransport and/or storage container can be initialized by actuation ofthe charging pushbutton switch LT.

The charging current of the rechargeable wireless earphones is detectedby means of the current detection unit CD and recharging is terminatedautomatically when given conditions are reached. That is effected tomaximize the efficiency of the rechargeable charging battery LB.

By means of the charging display LA, it is possible to display when therechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and/or storagecontainer is recharged, when the rechargeable wireless earphones arerecharged and/or when the voltage of the rechargeable charging batteryLB of the transport and/or storage container becomes too low.

In addition the electronic system of the transport and/or storagecontainer can be at least partially automatically switched off if theuseable capacity of the rechargeable charging battery LB becomes toolow, to protect the rechargeable charging battery LB from overcharging.

The rechargeable charging battery LB can be implemented in the form of alithium polymer accumulator with an electrical charge of for example 400mAh or more.

FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a first perspectiveview of the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction 100 for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment. The transport and/or storage container 100 has acontainer housing 110 with an electrical container charging contact 111for connecting the transport and/or storage container 100 to anelectrical energy source. In this embodiment the electrical containercharging contact 111 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jacksocket. Alternatively the electrical container charging contact 111however can also be of a different configuration.

Furthermore the transport and/or storage container 100 has first andsecond receiving cradles or receiving units 120, 140. The first andsecond receiving cradles 120, 140 are of such a configuration that theycan at least partially receive a respective rechargeable wirelessearphone 220, 240 of a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones. The tworeceiving cradles 120, 140 are preferably of a substantially similarconfiguration so that further description is provided only in relationto the first receiving cradle 120. The description correspondinglyapplies to the second receiving cradle 140.

The first receiving cradle 120 is in particular of such a configurationthat it can at least partially receive a rechargeable wireless earphone220 substantially in positively locking relationship. In this embodimentthe first receiving cradle 120 has a support surface 121 on which atransducer housing 223 of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 comesto rest when it is placed in the first receiving cradle 120. In thisrespect the shape of the support surface 121 is preferably adapted tothe shape of the transducer housing 223. That permits a particularlygood and secure seat for the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in thefirst receiving cradle 120.

Furthermore, provided in the region of the first receiving cradle 120 isan electrical coupling contact 122 cooperating with an electricalearphone charging contact 222 of a rechargeable wireless earphone 220when it is placed in the first receiving cradle 120 for recharging. Inthat case the electrical container charging contact 111 and theelectrical coupling contact 122 are in the form of mutuallycomplementary electrical contacts. In other words, in this embodimentthe electrical coupling contact 122 is a plug which is complementary tothe plug socket (electrical container charging contact 111), inparticular a 2.5 mm jack plug. (The electrical earphone charging contact222 is then also an electrical contact which is complementary to theelectrical coupling contact 122, or which corresponds to the electricalcontainer charging contact 111, in other words, in this embodiment, aplug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug socket (see FIGS. 5-8)).

The first receiving cradle 120 is preferably of such a configurationthat a rechargeable wireless earphone 220 which is placed in the firstreceiving cradle 120 is so guided by the shape thereof that theelectrical earphone charging contact 222 and the electrical couplingcontact 122 automatically come into contact by placement of therechargeable wireless earphone 220 in the first receiving cradle 120.

In this embodiment the actuable charging pushbutton switch LT and thecharging display LA are provided in or on the container housing 110. Thecharging display LA can be for example an LED which can light or flashin at least one color, preferably in a plurality of colors. Rechargingof the rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 can be initialized byway of the actuatable charging pushbutton switch LT. By way of thecharging display LA it is possible to display when the rechargeablecharging battery LB of the transport and/or storage container 100 isrecharged, the rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 are rechargedand/or the voltage of the rechargeable charging battery LB of thetransport and/or storage container 100 becomes too low.

FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a second perspectiveview of the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction 100 for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with thefirst embodiment. In this view a respective rechargeable wirelessearphone 220, 240 of a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones areplaced for recharging in the first and second receiving cradles 120,140. Because the first and second receiving cradles 120, 140 are of sucha configuration that they can receive the respective rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240, at least partially and in particularsubstantially in positively locking relationship, they can betransported and/or stored in the transport and/or storage container 100without falling out upon transport and/or storage.

FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a protective pouch150 for the transport and/or storage container 100 with integratedcharging function for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance withthe first embodiment. The protective pouch 150 is preferably made from arobust material, for example leather or plastic, and has openings 151,152, by way of which the electrical container charging contact 111 andthe actuable charging pushbutton LT of the transport and/or storagecontainer 100 are accessible when it is stored in the protective pouch150. That permits recharging of the rechargeable charging battery LB ofthe transport and/or storage container 100, or the rechargeable wirelessearphones 220, 240, also in the protective pouch 150. The protectivepouch 150 further has a flap 153 which can be folded over the transportand/or storage container 100 for protection purposes and which ispreferably fixed by magnetic closure elements 154. Optionally, providedon the protective pouch 150 is a flap or loop 155 with which theprotective pouch 150 can be secured to the belt or to the wrist of awearer.

It is preferable for the transport and/or storage container withintegrated charging function 100 in accordance with the first embodiment(FIGS. 1-3) to be connectable for charging for example by way of acharging cable to an electrical energy source. Recharging of thetransport and/or storage container 100 or the pair of rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240 by way of a charging cable is described ingreater detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a rechargeablewireless earphone 220 in accordance with a second embodiment. Therechargeable wireless earphone 220 can be an earphone of a pair ofrechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240, as described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. The further description correspondingly applies to thesecond rechargeable wireless earphone 240.

In this embodiment the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 has anearphone housing 221 with an electrical earphone charging contact 222for connection of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 to anelectrical energy source. In this embodiment the electrical earphonecharging contact 222 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jacksocket. Alternatively however the electrical earphone charging contact222 can also be of a different configuration.

Furthermore the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 has a transducerhousing 223 for receiving an electroacoustic transducer (not shown) anda support element 224. When the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 isfitted into the ear of a wearer the transducer housing 223 rests on theauditory canal. To permit a comfortable fit for the rechargeablewireless earphone 220 the transducer housing 223 preferably has at itsouter edge a removable ring 225 made from a soft flexible material suchas for example rubber. In addition the transducer housing 223 can alsobe provided with a removable ear pad (not shown) for cushioning of thetransducer housing 223. In that case the ear pad is preferably made froma sound-transmitting material such as for example foam.

The support element 224 can be removably fixed at an upper end 226 ofthe earphone housing 221. The support element 224 preferably involves aflexible structure and is made from a soft flexible material of goodgrippiness, such as for example rubber, so that it can be well insertedinto the concha of a wearer to ensure a secure fit for the rechargeablewireless earphone 220. In particular it is preferable for the softflexible material from which the support element 224 is made to be of ahardness of between 33 and 68 HA, in particular between 48 and 52 HA, atensile strength of ≧5 MPa, in particular ≧7 MPa, an elongation of≧224%, in particular ≧320%, a tearing strength of ≧12 KN/m, inparticular ≧18 KN/m, a tensile deformation residue of ≦11%, inparticular ≦8%, a linear shrinkage of 2.2 through 4.7%, in particular3.1 through 3.6%, a plasticity of 130 through 290, in particular 180through 220. The flexible structure of the support element 224preferably has an outer edge which is connected to a central region ofthe support element 224 by three substantially mutually perpendicularlimbs, wherein the edge portion of the support element 224, that is mostremote from the transducer housing 223, does not involve any connectionto the central region of the support element 224.

In the case of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 the transducerhousing 223 is in a first plane which is spaced in relation to a secondplane in which the earphone housing 221 and/or the support element 224is disposed. The second plane is preferably inclined in relation to thefirst plane. It is further preferred if the spacing between that pointon the outer edge of the transducer housing 223, which is closest to thesupport element 224, and the outer center point of the support element224, is between 5 and 11 mm, in particular between 7 and 9 mm.

An earphone pushbutton switch 227 and an earphone display 228 areprovided in or on the earphone housing 221. The earphone display 228 canbe for example an LED which can light or flash in at least one color,preferably in a plurality of colors.

The rechargeable wireless earphone 220 further has a battery compartment229 for receiving a rechargeable earphone battery (not shown) for thestorage of electrical energy. The rechargeable earphone battery can befor example a lithium ion button cell with a voltage of 3.7 V and anelectrical charge of 40 mAh. The battery compartment 229 is preferablycovered with a removable cap 230 so that if required the rechargeableearphone battery can be easily replaced. Replacement of the rechargeableearphone battery of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 is describedin greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8A-8D.

A wireless receiving unit (not shown) is provided in the earphonehousing 221 so that audio signals can be wirelessly transmitted to therechargeable wireless earphone 220. That wireless communicationpreferably uses a high-grade uncompressed wireless stereo transmissionby way of a stable digital connection. The carrier frequency used can befor example a frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz through 2.48 GHz. Inthat respect for example an FSK process (frequency shift keying) and inparticular an MSK process (minimum shift keying) can be used formodulation purposes. Alternatively the wireless communication can alsobe based on the Bluetooth protocol, the WLAN protocol or anotherwireless protocol.

The rechargeable wireless earphone 220 is preferably light, of a weightof less than 20 g, in particular a weight of about 10 g. The size of therechargeable wireless headphone 220 is preferably in the region of about29×20.5×51 mm. If the rechargeable earphone battery is completelycharged the operating time of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220should be about three hours or more. The further preferred technicaldata of the rechargeable wireless headphone 220 are as follows: maximumacoustic pressure level: about 115 dB (SPL); distortion factor: <0.5% at1 kHz 100 dB SPL; frequency range: 19 Hz through 20 kHz; charging timeof the rechargeable earphone battery AHB: about 2 hours; voltage supply:5 V DC/30 mA.

It is preferable that the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 can beswitched on by pressing the earphone pushbutton switch 227 for apredetermined time of for example four seconds. Successful switch-on canbe indicated by way of the earphone display 228, for example by coloredflashing at a predetermined flashing rate of for example once persecond. If the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 has been placed in thetransport and/or storage container with integrated charging function 100in accordance with the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3), as described withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rechargeable wireless earphone 220preferably switches on when it is removed from the transport and/orstorage container 100. Switch-off the rechargeable wireless earphone 220preferably functions in such a way that the earphone pushbutton switch227 is pressed for a predetermined time of for example four seconds.Successful switch-off can also be indicated by way of the earphonedisplay 228, for example by colored lighting thereof for a predeterminedtime of for example a second. If the rechargeable wireless earphone 220is placed in the transport and/or storage container with integratedcharging function 100 in accordance with the first embodiment (FIGS.1-3), as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rechargeablewireless earphone 220 preferably switches off It is further preferred ifthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 switches off itself if, after apredetermined period of for example five minutes, no connection could bemade to a transmitter (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

FIGS. 6A and 6B show diagrammatically and by way of example insertion ofthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accordance with the secondembodiment into the ear 300 of a wearer. In this case the rechargeablewireless earphone 220 is firstly fitted into the ear 300 of the wearerin such a way that the transducer housing 223 rests on the auditorycanal (FIG. 6A). Thereupon the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 isturned until the support element 224 is seated securely in the concha ofthe wearer (FIG. 6B).

FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically and by way of example the replacement ofadapter parts of the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accordancewith the second embodiment. Thus preferably the support element 224 canbe removed from the upper end 226 of the earphone housing 221 andreplaced. In that case it is preferable for support elements 224, 224′,224″ of different sizes and/or shapes to be provided so that therechargeable wireless earphone 220 can be adapted to the specific earshape and/or size of a wearer by using the appropriate support element224, 224′, 224″. In addition it is preferable that the ring 225 can beremoved from the outer edge of the transducer housing 223 and replaced.In addition a removable ear pad 231 should be provided for cushioning ofthe transducer housing 223. Preferably all adapter parts of therechargeable wireless earphone, that is to say the support elements 224,224′, 224″, the ring 225 and the ear pad 231 are provided in a pluralityof configurations.

FIG. 8A-8D shows diagrammatically and by way of example the replacementof the rechargeable earphone battery 232 of the rechargeable wirelessearphone 220 in accordance with the second embodiment. In this casefirstly the edge of the removable cap 230 is lifted somewhat and theremovable cap 230 displaced in such a way that latching projections 233(see FIG. 8C) which are provided on the removable cap 230 and which comeinto engagement in guides 234 (see FIG. 8C) at the inner edge of thebattery compartment 229 when the (removable) cap 230 is closed can bepushed out of those guides 234 (FIG. 8A). The rechargeable earphonebattery 232 can then be removed from the battery compartment 229 andreplaced, wherein attention is to be paid to the polarity of therechargeable earphone battery 232 when fitting it in place (FIG. 8B).Thereafter the removable cap 230 is re-fitted onto the batterycompartment 229 (with the inserted rechargeable earphone battery 232)(FIG. 8C) and displaced in such a way that the latching projections 233come into engagement in the guides 234 again (FIG. 8D).

It is preferable if the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accordancewith the second embodiment (FIGS. 5-8) can be connected for rechargingby way of a charging cable to an electrical energy source. Recharging ofthe rechargeable wireless earphone 220 by way of a charging cable isdescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a first perspectiveview of a rechargeable transmitter 400 for the wireless transmission ofaudio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with athird embodiment. In this embodiment the rechargeable transmitter 400has a transmitter housing 410 with an electrical transmitter chargingcontact 411 for connecting the rechargeable transmitter 400 to anelectrical energy source. In this embodiment the electrical transmittercharging contact 411 is a plug socket, in particular a 2.5 mm jacksocket. Alternatively the electrical transmitter charging contact 411however can also be of a different configuration.

Furthermore the rechargeable transmitter 400 has a connecting cable 420for connecting the rechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobile audio and/orvideo device. As mobile audio and/or video devices such as for exampleMP3 players, CD and DVD players or the iPod series from Apple, typicallyprovide as the audio output jack sockets, in particular 3.5 mm stereojack sockets, the connecting cable 420 preferably has a 3.5 mm stereojack plug 421. Alternatively however it is also possible to provideanother standardized connecting contact or optionally a suitable adapterfor other kinds of audio outputs such as for example 2.5 mm or 6.35 mmstereo jack sockets.

Provided in or on the transmitter housing 410 are a transmitterpushbutton switch 412, a transmitter display 413 and a reset pushbuttonswitch 414. The transmitter display 413 can be for example an LED whichcan light or flash at least in one color, preferably in a plurality ofcolors.

The rechargeable transmitter 400 further has a rechargeable transmitterbattery (not shown) for storing electrical energy. The rechargeabletransmitter battery can be for example in the form of a lithium ionbattery or a lithium polymer battery with an electrical charge of forexample between 150 and 3,000 mAh, preferably for example about 240 mAhor more.

In a central portion the transmitter housing 410 has a band-like recess415 which preferably extends completely around the transmitter housing410. A respective cylindrical pin 416 can be arranged at each of the twoshort sides in the region of the band-like recess 415. The band-likerecess 415 and the optional cylindrical pins 416, in combination with asuitable fixing band, for example a rubber band, permit the rechargeabletransmitter 400 to be easily and securely fixed to a mobile audio and/orvideo device. Fixing of the rechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobileaudio and/or video device is described in greater detail with referenceto FIGS. 10 and 11.

Provided in the transmitter housing 410 is a wireless transmitting unit(not shown) for the wireless transmission of audio signals to arechargeable wireless earphone or to a pair of rechargeable wirelessearphones. That wireless communication preferably uses a high-gradeuncompressed wireless stereo transmission by way of a stable digitalconnection. The carrier frequency used can be for example a frequency inthe range of 2.4 GHz through 2.48 GHz. In that respect for example anFSK process (frequency shift keying) and in particular an MSK process(minimum shift keying) can be used for modulation purposes.Alternatively the wireless communication can also be based on theBluetooth protocol, the WLAN protocol or another wireless protocol.

The rechargeable transmitter 400 is preferably light, of a weight ofless than 32 g, in particular of a weight of about 16 g. The size of therechargeable transmitter 400 is preferably in the region of about40×13×40 mm. When the rechargeable transmitter battery is fully chargedthe operating time of the rechargeable transmitter 400 should be aboutten hours or more. The further preferred technical data of therechargeable transmitter 400 are: charging time of the rechargeabletransmitter battery ASB: about 2 hours; voltage supply: 5 V DC/120 mA.

It is preferable if the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be switched onby pressing the transmitter pushbutton switch 412 for a predeterminedtime of for example four seconds. Successful switch-on can be indicatedby way of the transmitter display 413, for example by colored flashingat a predetermined flashing rate of for example once per second.Switch-off of the rechargeable transmitter 400 preferably functions insuch a way that the transmitter pushbutton switch 412 is pressed for apredetermined time of for example four seconds. Successful switch-offcan also be indicated by way of the transmitter display 413, for exampleby colored lighting for a predetermined time of for example a second. Itis preferable if the rechargeable transmitter 400 switches off itself ifno connection could be made to a wireless earphone (see FIGS. 12 and 13)after a predetermined time of for example five minutes.

FIG. 10 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a secondperspective view of the rechargeable transmitter 400 for the wirelesstransmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone inaccordance with the third embodiment. This view shows how a fixing band430 can be pushed over the rechargeable transmitter 400. The band-likerecess 415 and the two optional cylindrical pins 416 permit securefixing of the fixing band 430 to the rechargeable transmitter 400. Inthis embodiment the fixing band 430 is a rubber band which is closed initself and preferably flat. Alternatively the fixing band 430 can alsobe a band which is adjustable in length, such as for example alength-adjustable rubber band, a length-adjustable elastic material bandor a length-adjustable band of a substantially non-elastic material. Abuckle or clasp or a comparable adjusting device can be provided in thatcase for length adjustment. Preferably there are fixing bands 430 ofdifferent sizes and/or kinds and/or colors. That permits simple andsecure fixing of the rechargeable transmitter 400 to mobile audio and/orvideo devices of different shapes and sizes.

It is particularly preferred in accordance with the invention if thedevice according to the invention is supplied not only together with asingle fixing band 430 but with a multiplicity thereof which again arepreferably of varying sizes because that ensures best possibleadaptation of the transmitter to playback devices coupled thereto, forexample an MP3 player, for the various playback devices are always of adiffering thickness, height and depth. It is also particularly preferredin that respect if the various fixing bands, that is to say the flatrubber bands, are of quite different colors in order thereby also toensure optimum color matching to the playback device.

Additionally or alternatively to the possible option of fixing therechargeable transmitter 400 to a mobile audio and/or video device witha fixing band 430, it is also possible to provide other fixing options.For example the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be provided with amagnet for magnetically fixing the rechargeable transmitter 400 to amobile audio and/or video device, while a metal element such as forexample a self-adhesive metal plate can be secured to the mobile audioand/or video device.

FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically and by way of example a possible way offixing the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wireless transmission ofaudio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance with thethird embodiment to a mobile audio and/or video device 500. To connectthe rechargeable transmitter 400 to the mobile audio and/or video device500 the 3.5 mm stereo jack plug 421 of the connecting cable 420 isinserted into the audio output 510 of the mobile audio and/or videodevice 500. Because the rechargeable transmitter 400 itself has arechargeable transmitter battery (not shown) for storing electricalenergy the battery of the mobile audio and/or video device 500 is notsubject to any loading. The rechargeable transmitter 400 can be fixedwith a suitable fixing band 430 for example on the rear side of themobile audio and/or video device 500. It is preferable if, on that sideof the transmitter housing 410, which comes to bear against the mobileaudio and/or video device 500 when the rechargeable transmitter 400 isfixed thereto, the rechargeable transmitter 400 has protective elements,for example strips of a soft flexible material such as for examplerubber to protect the mobile audio and/or video device 500 from damagesuch as for example scratching.

It is preferable if the rechargeable transmitter 400 in accordance withthe third embodiment (FIGS. 9-11) can be connected for rechargingpurposes by way of charging cable to an electrical energy source.Recharging of the rechargeable transmitter 400 by way of a chargingcable is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIGS. 12A-12C show diagrammatically and by way of example pairing of therechargeable wireless earphone 220 in accordance with the secondembodiment to the rechargeable transmitter 400 for wireless transmissionof audio signals to a rechargeable wireless earphone in accordance withthe third embodiment. In this case firstly the rechargeable wirelessearphone 220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 are switched on asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9. The rest of the pairingprocedure is then effected substantially without further manual stepsbeing necessary (plug & play). Firstly both the rechargeable wirelessearphone 220 and also the rechargeable transmitter 400 search for asuitable device (FIG. 12A). That search procedure can be indicated byway of the earphone display 228 or by way of the transmitter display413, for example by colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate offor example once per second. After the rechargeable wireless earphone220 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 have been found the devicesexchange an identification ID, for example a hexadecimal code word (FIG.12B). That exchange process can also be indicated by way of the earphonedisplay 228 or the transmitter display 413, for example by coloredflashing at a predetermined flashing rate of for example twice persecond. After successful device identification finally a connection isautomatically made between the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 andthe rechargeable transmitter 400. Audio signals can then be passedwirelessly by way of that connection from the rechargeable transmitter400 to the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 (FIG. 12C). The connectingbetween the rechargeable wireless earphone 220 and the rechargeabletransmitter 400 can also be indicated by way of the earphone display 228or the transmitter display 413, for example by colored flashing at apredetermined flashing rate of for example once every five seconds.

The foregoing description correspondingly applies to pairing a pair ofrechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240, as are shown with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, with the rechargeable transmitter 400.

It is preferable if the transmitter range, that is to say the maximumdistance between the rechargeable transmitter 400 and the rechargeablewireless earphone 220, at which the rechargeable wireless earphone 220can still receive audio signals transmitted wirelessly by therechargeable transmitter 400, is ≧10 m, in particular ≧5 m.

FIGS. 13A-13F show diagrammatically and by way of example pairing of asecond pair of rechargeable wireless earphones 260, 280 in accordancewith the second embodiment with the rechargeable transmitter 400 forwireless transmission of audio signals to a rechargeable wirelessearphone in accordance with the third embodiment. In this case firstlythe second pair of rechargeable wireless earphones 260, 280, that is tosay the new rechargeable wireless earphones 260, 280, are switched offas described with reference to FIG. 5 and the first pair of rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240, that is to say the old rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 areswitched on as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8 (FIG. 13A). Theresulting connection between the old rechargeable wireless earphones220, 240 and the rechargeable transmitter 400 can be indicated asdescribed with reference to FIG. 12 by way of the earphone display 228or the transmitter display 413, for example by colored flashing at apredetermined flashing rate of for example once every five seconds.Thereafter the rechargeable transmitter 400 is switched off as describedwith reference to FIG. 9 (FIG. 13B). Then the earphone pushbutton switch227 of the new rechargeable wireless earphones 260, 280 is pressed for apredetermined period of for example seven seconds. Expiry of thepredetermined period can also be indicated by way of the earphonedisplay 228, for example by fast colored flashing (FIG. 13C). Thereuponthe transmitter pushbutton switch 412 is pressed for a predeterminedperiod of for example seven seconds, in which case expiry of thepredetermined period can be indicated by way of the transmitter display413, for example by fast colored flashing (FIG. 13D). After apredetermined period of for example three seconds the new rechargeablewireless earphones 260, 280 are then paired with the rechargeabletransmitter 400 (FIG. 13E). The resulting connection between the newrechargeable wireless earphones 260, 280 and the rechargeabletransmitter 400 can then be indicated as described with reference toFIG. 12 by way of the earphone displays 228 or the transmitter display413, for example by colored flashing at a predetermined flashing rate offor example once every five seconds. Finally the transmitter pushbuttonswitch 412 is pressed a further time for a predetermined duration of forexample one second. After a further predetermined duration of forexample three seconds the old rechargeable wireless headphones 220, 240are then also connected to the rechargeable transmitter 400.

FIG. 14 shows diagrammatically and by way of example charging of thetransport and/or storage container with integrated charging function 100for rechargeable wireless earphones in accordance with the firstembodiment, a pair of rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 inaccordance with the second embodiment and the rechargeable transmitter400 for wireless transmission of audio signals to a rechargeablewireless earphone in accordance with the third embodiment. A chargingcable 600 is provided for connecting the various devices 100, 220, 240,400 to an electrical energy source. At one end the charging cable 600preferably has a USB plug 610, for example of type A, by way of whichthe charging cable 600 can be connected to a USB interface, for exampleof a computer 700, as the electrical energy source. In addition therecan be a power supply unit 620 which can be connected to the USB plug610 and by way of which the charging cable 600 can be connected to anelectrical mains supply as the electrical energy source. Optionallyvarious interchangeable country adapters 621 can be provided for thepower supply unit 620. That makes it possible to use the charging cable600 in countries involving different mains standards.

The charging cable 600 at its second end has at least one electricalcharging contact 630 which is in the form of an electrical contact whichis complementary to the electrical container charging contact 111 of thetransport and storage container 100, to the electrical earphone chargingcontact 221 of the rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 and to theelectrical transmitter charging contact 411 of the rechargeabletransmitter 400. In other words, in the first through third embodiments,the electrical charging contact 630 is a plug complementary to the plugsockets 111, 221, 411, in particular a 2.5 mm jack plug. Thus thecharging cable 600 can be connected by way of the at least one chargingcontact 630 to the transport and storage container 100, to the tworechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 and/or to the rechargeabletransmitter 400, for recharging thereof. If the two rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240 are placed in the transport and storagecontainer 100 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, both therechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and storage container100 and also the two rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 can besimultaneously recharged by way of the charging cable 600. If thecharging cable 600 has two or more charging contacts 630 at the secondend, then both rechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 can besimultaneously recharged by way of the charging cable 600 or, if the tworechargeable wireless earphones 220, 240 are placed in the transport andstorage container 100 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, boththe rechargeable charging battery LB of the transport and storagecontainer 100 inclusive of the two rechargeable wireless earphones 220,240 and also the wireless transmitter 400 can be recharged.

Although the transport and/or storage container with integrated chargingfunction 100 in accordance with the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) wasdescribed as a container for rechargeable wireless earphones, thetransport and/or storage container 100 can also serve to recharge otherrechargeable mobile electronic devices such as for example cellularphones, PDAs, mobile and/or video devices, games consoles and so forthduring transport and/or storage. While the transport and/or storagecontainer with integrated charging function 100 in accordance with thefirst embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) was described as a container having tworeceiving cradles 120, 140 for receiving a pair of rechargeable wirelessearphones 220, 240, the transport and/or storage container 100 may alsohave only one receiving cradle, for example for a rechargeable wirelessearphone or another rechargeable mobile electronic device, or more thantwo receiving cradles, for example for a larger number of rechargeablemobile electronic devices.

The rechargeable wireless earphone 220 or the pair of rechargeablewireless earphones 220, 240 in accordance with the second embodiment(FIGS. 5-8) can also be in the form of a rechargeable wireless headset.In that case a microphone has been provided on at least one rechargeablewireless earphone 220, 240. In addition the rechargeable wirelessheadset must be of such a design that the speech signals recorded by themicrophone are transmitted by means of a wireless transmitting unit. Forthat purpose a wireless transmitting/receiving unit can be provided inthe rechargeable wireless headset.

FIG. 15 shows a wireless earphone 220 with an eye 700 mounted thereto,through which a band or a thread can be easily drawn.

When two of the earphones 220, for example the left-hand and right handearphones, have such an eye 700 and are connected by a band 710, that isadvantageous for the user of the earphone as in that way he can easilyhold the earphones together and does not lose them both if one of theearphones should drop out of the ear.

If desired a buckle or clasp or the like can also be provided on theband 710 to adjust the band length to the size desired by the user.

In the claims the words “have” and “include” do not exclude otherelements or steps and the indefinite article “a” does not exclude aplurality.

A single unit or device can perform the function of a plurality ofelements which are recited in the claims. The fact that individualfunctions and/or elements are recited in different appendant claims doesnot signify that it would not also be advantageously possible to use acombination of those functions and/or elements.

The reference numerals in the claims are not to be so interpreted thatthe subject-matter and the scope of protection of the claims is limitedby those reference numerals.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container with integrated charging function forcharging a pair of two chargeable wireless earphones, each of those twowireless earphones having an electrical earphone-charging socket, thecontainer comprising: a container housing; two receiving units for atleast partially receiving the two chargeable wireless earphones; achargeable battery unit for storing electrical energy; an electricalcontainer-charging socket disposed on an exterior of the containerhousing for connecting the container to an electrical energy source; acharging unit for charging the two chargeable wireless earphones; andtwo electrical contact units, each disposed on an interior portion ofone of the two receiving units for connecting the two chargeablewireless earphones to the container, wherein each of the electricalcontact units cooperates in such a way with the electricalearphone-charging socket of one of the two chargeable wireless earphonesthat electrical energy can be transmitted into the two chargeablewireless earphones when the two chargeable wireless earphones areinserted into the two receiving units for charging purposes, and whereinthe charging unit is configured for using the electrical energy storedin the chargeable battery unit for charging up the two chargeablewireless earphones when the container is not coupled to an electricalenergy source so that the container enables a mobile charging of the twochargeable wireless earphones.
 2. The container according to claim 1,wherein the charging unit is configured for charging up both thechargeable battery unit and the two chargeable wireless earphones whenthe container is connected to an electrical energy source.
 3. Thecontainer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each receiving unitcomprises a support surface on which a transducer housing of one of thewireless earphones rests when the wireless earphone is placed into oneof the receiving units, and wherein a shape of the support surface isadapted to a shape of the transducer housing.
 4. The container accordingto claim 1, further comprising a protective pouch.
 5. The containeraccording to claim 3, wherein a first of the two receiving units isadapted to receive a first wireless earphone of the pair of wirelessearphones, and wherein a second of the two receiving units is adapted toreceive a second wireless earphone of the pair of wireless earphones. 6.Wireless earphones comprising: a left-hand earphone; a right-handearphone; and a band connecting the left-hand and the right-handearphones.
 7. A system comprising: a container according to claim 1; andwireless earphones according to claim 6.